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Vigil held in Davidson for dog walker hit, killed by garbage truck

By Jenna Deery and Elsa Gillis
By Jenna Deery and Elsa Gillis

DAVIDSON, N.C. — A vigil was held Saturday night for a well-known pet sitter who was killed by garbage truck while crossing South Main Street Friday shortly after noon in Davidson.

Janet McFadden was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk walking two dogs.

Jeffery Wilburn was the driver of a Republic Services garbage truck, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

Wilburn made a left turn from South Street onto S. Main Street when the truck struck McFadden.

She died at the scene.

Wilburn was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

McFadden's ex-husband said she was a mother of four and owned Davidson Pet Sitters.

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She was walking two dogs when she was killed. Friends and family told reporter Jenna Deery they were grieving the loss of McFadden.

McFadden’s good friend Lisa Muse said she was passionate about life.

“You never saw her in a bad mood and even on a rainy day like today, Janet was out walking the dogs,” Muse said.

McFadden was an icon in Davidson and Muse said whatever she did, she embraced life.

“Things will not be the same without her,” Muse said.

McFadden had a special way with animals, Muse said.

"I think that she looked at all of her animals and the people that she has as clients, as part of her family," Muse said.

Davidson police have turned over the investigation to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police's major crash unit.

Statement by Republic Services of Charlotte:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this morning’s incident, especially our driver who in understandably distraught. We are cooperating fully with local authorities as part of their ongoing investigation. At this time, we are referring all media inquiries to local law enforcement."

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